Those who have switched to Android, what are your thoughts?

[The Game 161]

I love my google home and mini. I have it set up to control my lights, thermostats, and TV. I really suggest getting a smart plug or socket instead of smart lightbulbs. Then you can use your own lightbulbs and have the flexibility to work with other devices.

I don't have a hub. Right now google homes acts as my hub and assistant.

Well I already have the hub phillips hub and have the smart bulbs. Two came with the hub so cost wise wasn't too bad.

Got the google mini for the bedroom and will likely buy a google home for the lounge. While using the homepod for my music/podcasts/shopping list for example. So I will have a use for both but google assistant will be the voice i will use which is what i have started doing on my iphone and ipad. while not as easy as with an android device it still works well.

 

[Dodgeman]

I will say this. I had a Samsung device back about 5 years ago and I have used Apple since then.
I prefer the iPads to Android tablets. I also am starting to prefer Mac to Windows based laptops.
I still like the iPhone very much but I will have to give the slight and that is a very slight edge to the Note 8/S9 (Galaxy series).
Guess I prefer Samsung in phone format vs. apples tablets and computers.

Even though it is rare I use the S pen or even the many features that the Note 8 has like PIP or split screen it is nice to know they are there. I have gotten more use to the size as well. I also prefer the more free selections of apps in the google play store. Fast charging is amazing on the Note 8 and I see it being more advanced and more durable than the 8 Plus and the 10.
I just purchased my Mac recenetly and thought of switching to the iPhone just for ease of use but it will be hard to give up the Note 8 that is for sure.

 

[sracer]

I have no problem going back and forth using Microsoft Office products between my Surface Pro and Note 8. I'm using the Microsoft Launcher which helps facilitate this a bit. Most of the time on my phone I'm just viewing stuff, except in OneNote which I do edit on both sides... and the pen working in both is awesome.

I use MS Office heavily for my work at the college, which is solely Windows-based so that aspect is not an issue for me.

But I have found the cross-platform capabilities of MS Office to be sorely lacking. The "bar of functionality" varies so much by operating system that this inconsistency caused me quite a bit of irritation. Functions available on one platform don't always exist on another. And I'm not even talking about esoteric "power-user" functions... some of the basics.

Another issue is lack of visual consistency. For example, OneNote's interface is different for every platform it is on. I can't think of where it is the same. In my daily activities (work, home, church) I use devices that run Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and occasionally ChromeOS. Couple the differences in the UI with the differences in functionality, one wonders, "is it really the same program?" (yes, that is a bit of hyperbole but I can't think of a more subtle way to put it)

Office for iOS is primarily an Office document viewer that allows for minor edits. It does a terrific job of rendering documents, even documents with custom fonts provided that the fonts have been installed on the iPad using something like AnyFont. It can allow basic edits to documents with advanced formatting, but it is not capable of CREATING those advanced documents.

As limited as Office is on iOS, it is even more limited on Android. I much prefer using the web version of MS Office on my chromebook than using the iOS or Android versions.

I understand that there are only a handful of folks who are in a similar situation, but these are some of the challenges I face in wanting to switch to Android. Given where Apple is going with the iPhone, I know that I'm going to have to switch... and switch soon. I love Android on the phone, but Google has pretty much abandoned it on the tablet. (inclusion of Android app support in ChromeOS is too little, too late, IMO)

 

[convergent]

I use MS Office heavily for my work at the college, which is solely Windows-based so that aspect is not an issue for me.

But I have found the cross-platform capabilities of MS Office to be sorely lacking. The "bar of functionality" varies so much by operating system that this inconsistency caused me quite a bit of irritation. Functions available on one platform don't always exist on another. And I'm not even talking about esoteric "power-user" functions... some of the basics.

Another issue is lack of visual consistency. For example, OneNote's interface is different for every platform it is on. I can't think of where it is the same. In my daily activities (work, home, church) I use devices that run Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and occasionally ChromeOS. Couple the differences in the UI with the differences in functionality, one wonders, "is it really the same program?" (yes, that is a bit of hyperbole but I can't think of a more subtle way to put it)

Office for iOS is primarily an Office document viewer that allows for minor edits. It does a terrific job of rendering documents, even documents with custom fonts provided that the fonts have been installed on the iPad using something like AnyFont. It can allow basic edits to documents with advanced formatting, but it is not capable of CREATING those advanced documents.

As limited as Office is on iOS, it is even more limited on Android. I much prefer using the web version of MS Office on my chromebook than using the iOS or Android versions.

I understand that there are only a handful of folks who are in a similar situation, but these are some of the challenges I face in wanting to switch to Android. Given where Apple is going with the iPhone, I know that I'm going to have to switch... and switch soon. I love Android on the phone, but Google has pretty much abandoned it on the tablet. (inclusion of Android app support in ChromeOS is too little, too late, IMO)

I've used Microsoft Office across multiple platforms for years and haven't felt as frustrated as you are. That said, I find a Surface Pro and Note 8 is a great combo to do just about anything I need to do in Office. When in the office I'm docked with 4K display. When I'm traveling, its a lightweight powerful kit. Again this morning, I worked through takeoff and landing in Outlook, Excel, and Powerpoint, while everyone around me (that wasn't playing games or watching movies on their iPads), had to put their laptops away.

 

[koigirl]

I have an aging MBA 11" that I need to replace soon and I am considering switching to a Windows machine as I run Windows-only accounting programs and would have to repurchase Parallels/Windows licenses for a new Mac. This will cost hundreds of dollars and this is on top of Apple's overpriced specs on all their laptops. My MBA is 2 years old and the screen resolution is pitiful. I'm not interested in an underpowered Macbook and the MBA's are antiquated so I'd be paying $1200+ for a basic MBP and dealing with a butterfly keyboard and all its problems. Thus I'm thinking Surface Pro or Lenovo 920.

I am running OneNote for continuity in note-taking between my Note 8 and iPad Pro and both platform apps work very well separately and in tandem.

 

[sracer]

I've used Microsoft Office across multiple platforms for years and haven't felt as frustrated as you are. That said, I find a Surface Pro and Note 8 is a great combo to do just about anything I need to do in Office. When in the office I'm docked with 4K display. When I'm traveling, its a lightweight powerful kit. Again this morning, I worked through takeoff and landing in Outlook, Excel, and Powerpoint, while everyone around me (that wasn't playing games or watching movies on their iPads), had to put their laptops away.

Nice to hear.

I wish that my workflow allowed a more seamless use of MS Office across platforms. It's odd, I find that I'm more productive with iWork across my Apple devices... the functional parity is much closer even if the overall function set is less than Office. (of course there are times when nothing less than MS Office on Windows will suffice.)

 

[Dodgeman]

I have an aging MBA 11" that I need to replace soon and I am considering switching to a Windows machine as I run Windows-only accounting programs and would have to repurchase Parallels/Windows licenses for a new Mac. This will cost hundreds of dollars and this is on top of Apple's overpriced specs on all their laptops. My MBA is 2 years old and the screen resolution is pitiful. I'm not interested in an underpowered Macbook and the MBA's are antiquated so I'd be paying $1200+ for a basic MBP and dealing with a butterfly keyboard and all its problems. Thus I'm thinking Surface Pro or Lenovo 920.

I am running OneNote for continuity in note-taking between my Note 8 and iPad Pro and both platform apps work very well separately and in tandem.

Hate to say I agree with this post.
Me personally I will probably end up with the Macbook.
Not sure I need the more memeory but it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[convergent]

I have an aging MBA 11" that I need to replace soon and I am considering switching to a Windows machine as I run Windows-only accounting programs and would have to repurchase Parallels/Windows licenses for a new Mac. This will cost hundreds of dollars and this is on top of Apple's overpriced specs on all their laptops. My MBA is 2 years old and the screen resolution is pitiful. I'm not interested in an underpowered Macbook and the MBA's are antiquated so I'd be paying $1200+ for a basic MBP and dealing with a butterfly keyboard and all its problems. Thus I'm thinking Surface Pro or Lenovo 920.

I am running OneNote for continuity in note-taking between my Note 8 and iPad Pro and both platform apps work very well separately and in tandem.

I absolutely love my Surface Pro, and its a great pair with a Note 8. Its all I carry. The pen works across both for inking in OneNote. And I always love it when I can work through take off and landing on planes. The few things I would use a table for (like Netflix) work fine own the Surface in tablet mode.

 

[Dodgeman]

I absolutely love my Surface Pro, and its a great pair with a Note 8. Its all I carry. The pen works across both for inking in OneNote. And I always love it when I can work through take off and landing on planes. The few things I would use a table for (like Netflix) work fine own the Surface in tablet mode.

You know a take off and landing is usually 15-30 minutes. Me personally I know it is nice to be able to do that but I doubt you should be under that much of a time constraint.

 

[convergent]

You know a take off and landing is usually 15-30 minutes. Me personally I know it is nice to be able to do that but I doubt you should be under that much of a time constraint.

It doesn't matter if I'm under a time constraint or not, its just nice to have the option. My normal routine is when I get to my seat, I connect up and sync email to make sure I'm current before we take off. Its just convenient to keep working at that point. My job also has me doing a lot of hours of work, and an extra half hour of work on the plane is a half hour less that I may need to do when I land.

 

[sunking101]

After having a 6 Plus,, a 6S Plus and then seeing the identical looking 7 Plus keynote I was BORED. I was running a phone that looked exactly like my last phone, running software that looked exactly the same as my iPhone 5 onwards and after using iCloud to set up my new phone it just looked/felt/smelled/was identical to last phones. I'd had enough. What with the loose buttons and dreadful battery life on my iPhone 5 and having to buy the 6S+ on release because my 6+ was a freezing, reloading POS with its 1GB of RAM....man I was done with Apple.

I jumped ship to an Xperia XZ and am currently using a Note 8. I have never once looked back. I briefly considered the iPhone X but opted for the Note 8 instead. I will never say never but right now I'm totally in the Android camp and it will take something special for Apple to win me back. I think iPhones peaked with the excellent iPhone 4 and flagship Androids are by far the better product now.

 

[Macalicious2011]

After having a 6 Plus,, a 6S Plus and then seeing the identical looking 7 Plus keynote I was BORED. I was running a phone that looked exactly like my last phone, running software that looked exactly the same as my iPhone 5 onwards and after using iCloud to set up my new phone it just looked/felt/smelled/was identical to last phones.

That mirrors my reasons for jumping ship. I had a 5S but had owned an iPad since iPad 2. At the expiry of my contract I wanted a large phone. When I then looked at an iPhone 6S in a store, I was overwhelmed and asked myself "Do I want to enter a £1,488 contract for a phone that's nearly identical to the 5S but just a a bit larger.

At the time Android phones didn't interest me. However the Galaxy S6 Edge+ in gold with its OLED screen and curved screen got me curious. I probably made a total visits before I was ready to pull the trigger.

Would I buy an iPhone again? Yes but the price to innovation ratio needs to improve. The 8 Plus is bulky, looks dated and reminds me of my 5S. While the iPhone X looks good it's overpriced given that other brands offer OLED screen and similar(or better) camera for 30-40% less money.

 

[convergent]

That mirrors my reasons for jumping ship. I had a 5S but had owned an iPad since iPad 2. At the expiry of my contract I wanted a large phone. When I then looked at an iPhone 6S in a store, I was overwhelmed and asked myself "Do I want to enter a £1,488 contract for a phone that's nearly identical to the 5S but just a a bit larger.

At the time Android phones didn't interest me. However the Galaxy S6 Edge+ in gold with its OLED screen and curved screen got me curious. I probably made a total visits before I was ready to pull the trigger.

Would I buy an iPhone again? Yes but the price to innovation ratio needs to improve. The 8 Plus is bulky, looks dated and reminds me of my 5S. While the iPhone X looks good it's overpriced given that other brands offer OLED screen and similar(or better) camera for 30-40% less money.

Same here... iPhones got boring and overpriced for the things they added. And the things they added I didn't want - losing headphone jack, 3d touch, animojis, faceid, etc.. With the Note 8 I got things I did one - pen input (companion for my Surface Pro pen input), picture in picture, two apps on the screen at same time, etc..

 

[Zwhaler]

I'm way happier with Android. I still play with new iPhones a lot. My issue is that iOS has a certain way of doing everything and it wants you to fit into that mold. If you don't, you are either restricted in what you can do, or the OS nags you with notifications about iCloud, updates, authentication, Apple ID, and a other stuff. I can't even remotely set up an iPhone the way I like my phone to be set up. It has to be done on Android. One small example, I like my phone set up like this. One page of apps in the drawer. Btw, the live wallpaper is fully interactive, zoom, pan, rotate, etc.

 

[kingalexthe1st]

I've switched back and forth, I like to use both. The iPhones I have used are the 4, the 6 Plus and the 6S (for work). The android's I have used have been the Moto X, the OnePlus 3 and the Samsung S9 (for work). If there is one thing I have learned it's that no one phone has been perfect for me. I don't like the restrictions of iOS but I like the privacy. I like the freedom of Android but hate the snooping by Google. The iOS App Store has higher-quality apps, but Android widgets are better.

I've currently put a down payment for the new Light Phone II. It will either be the best decision I've made in a while, or the worst one!

 

[mib1800]

I've switched back and forth, I like to use both. The iPhones I have used are the 4, the 6 Plus and the 6S (for work). The android's I have used have been the Moto X, the OnePlus 3 and the Samsung S9 (for work). If there is one thing I have learned it's that no one phone has been perfect for me. I don't like the restrictions of iOS but I like the privacy. I like the freedom of Android but hate the snooping by Google. The iOS App Store has higher-quality apps, but Android widgets are better.

I've currently put a down payment for the new Light Phone II. It will either be the best decision I've made in a while, or the worst one!

But when you use iPhone it is very unlikely you dont use Google. False sense of security?

 

[kingalexthe1st]

But when you use iPhone it is very unlikely you dont use Google. False sense of security?

DuckDuckGo and Apple Maps covers most of that.

But when you use iPhone it is very unlikely you dont use Google. False sense of security?

Yeah, I've started to wind that down. Duckduckgo and Apple Maps covers almost all the things I use google for.

 

[mib1800]

DuckDuckGo and Apple Maps covers most of that.


Yeah, I've started to wind that down. Duckduckgo and Apple Maps covers almost all the things I use google for.

Yeah, and all those apple and other 3rd party apps/games you use don't collect your data and do something with it

 

[pika2000]

Personally, I don't understand the need to "switch" between platforms. Nobody's telling me I can only use one platform at a time. Although iOS is my primary daily driver, I also have Android phone for daily use as well.

Android delivers many things that fill the gaps that Apple has.
- Variety of phones at economical prices. No need to spend $600, $800, or even $1k for an Android phone. Today's Android phones at $200-$300 price are amazing. Great for a second phone.
- Dual SIM. Admittedly a must in some region.
- Android only apps. In some regions, some institutions (government, financial, etc) only make their apps for Android due to the sheer marketshare. So even if I am an iOS user, I have to have an Android phone for these apps.

Having said that, I still keep certain things on the iOS side.
- Privacy. I have seen what kind of data an Android developer can siphon off an Android phone (in short, everything). It's mind boggling, considering many of these developers are in countries like Russia or China where laws and jurisdictions differ greatly than the typical western countries. If you are truly concern about your privacy, iOS is your choice.
- Integration with other Apple stuff. I have Macs and iPad. Things like continuity and airdop are tiny things that I'm starting to take for granted.
- Ease of use and consistency between apps. This is arguable, but I still personally think iOS to be easier to use, and I have used Android since the Nexus One. It's one thing if you stay with Google phones, but once you get a different company's phone, there are variations in how they implement certain features and UI. For some, this can be annoying. iOS is boring, but it is to its benefit as people don't need to relearn every little things again when they get a different iPhone.

 

[dumastudetto]

- Privacy. I have seen what kind of data an Android developer can siphon off an Android phone (in short, everything). It's mind boggling, considering many of these developers are in countries like Russia or China where laws and jurisdictions differ greatly than the typical western countries. If you are truly concern about your privacy, iOS is your choice.

This is absolutely true. I understand some people don't care and that is their right of course. I could never be comfortable with it personally though.

 

[mib1800]

This is absolutely true. I understand some people don't care and that is their right of course. I could never be comfortable with it personally though.

This...is absolutely not true.

 

[pika2000]

This...is absolutely not true.

Actually, it is. I didn't believe it either, but saw what's going on at the backend. I mean how many of Android users pay attention to the permissions being requested by an app? If you trust the developer, sure it won't be a problem. But there are a ton of apps that are outsourced to countries like Russia and China, and you won't even know it as the main company can be a company in the US (for example). Obviously in the end, it's your call.

 

[sunking101]

Actually, it is. I didn't believe it either, but saw what's going on at the backend. I mean how many of Android users pay attention to the permissions being requested by an app? If you trust the developer, sure it won't be a problem. But there are a ton of apps that are outsourced to countries like Russia and China, and you won't even know it as the main company can be a company in the US (for example). Obviously in the end, it's your call.

How many permissions do Apple allow apps that you aren't made aware of? Android has tightened up a lot over the past few years but at the end of the day if you use a smartphone then you have no privacy. Someone, somewhere, usually multiple people, know exactly what you have been doing on your phone.

 

[pika2000]

How many permissions do Apple allow apps that you aren't made aware of? Android has tightened up a lot over the past few years but at the end of the day if you use a smartphone then you have no privacy. Someone, somewhere, usually multiple people, know exactly what you have been doing on your phone.

Apple's APIs are much stricter than Android's. And Google is not "tightening" up. They are simply making the permissions to be more transparent (which not many people cared). How many people do you think read those permission requests before tapping allow?
But hey, I'm just sharing what I've seen behind the scenes. I was quite shocked too at first, but the facts are right in front of me. It's up to you to decide. I'm just saying, if you're really concerned of privacy, then iOS is your choice between the two. If not, then no problem.

 

[mib1800]

Apple's APIs are much stricter than Android's. And Google is not "tightening" up. They are simply making the permissions to be more transparent (which not many people cared). How many people do you think read those permission requests before tapping allow?
But hey, I'm just sharing what I've seen behind the scenes. I was quite shocked too at first, but the facts are right in front of me. It's up to you to decide. I'm just saying, if you're really concerned of privacy, then iOS is your choice between the two. If not, then no problem.

By default apple gives ALL permissions to any apps. When those apps request a certain permission iPhone prompts. HOW MANY JUST CLICK ALLOW? And iPhone only prompts for certain permissions (like location, contact) and all other permissions are automatically given.

Android is much more transparent since it tells you all the permissions upfront. If I don't like, I don't install app. On iPhone, you are in the dark when you install an app and the app can do damage when you run it the first time.